The festive season kicked off in fine style this weekend and set the trend for what promises to be an amazing summer in Cape Town. Yesterday was a special day for Cape Town when our beloved Table Mountain was inaugurated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature before Executive Mayor, Alderman Patricia De Lille switched on the festive lights in the city.

More than 100 000 people descended on the city centre, making their way to the Grand Parade for a free concert and a parade of amazing floats in the build-up to the flicking of the switch.

Turning on the lights along Adderley Street, is traditionally seen as the official start to the festive season in Cape Town.

The video below sums up this year's event.

The festive season lights in Adderley Street. Photo by Stuart Buchanan

A holiday in the city would not be complete without making your way up Table Mountain, made all the more special as it is now officially one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. As De Lille said at the weekend: “Table Mountain’s inauguration as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature is a worthy recognition of this symbol that we all own and cherish. While it defines our city, it is much greater than it. It is a natural heritage that belongs to all South Africans and, we believe, the world.”

While thousands of people take the quick route up the mountain, via the cableway, many others make use of hiking trails to get to the top, to experience breathtaking views of the city and to enjoy the amazing flora and fauna.

The V.I.P area with the iconic City Hall in the background. Photo by Stuart Buchanan

A whale float was among the inspired creations included in the parade around the city. Photo by Stuart Buchanan

Stay Festive!

The Mother City remains alive, busy and vibey way into the night as people take in the warm summer evenings.

The Company's Garden, a popular lunch-time destination for locals comes alive, this week, a Waste to Art Market gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell repurposed "waste" materials. Also this year the city has moved the popular Summer Market from Adderley Street to the Company's Garden. The market is well worth a visit, with scores of stalls, selling arts and crafts, which make perfect stocking fillers, and a range of local entertainers on hand.

The popular Mother City Queer Project will be held at the Cape Town Stadium on December 15. This year's theme is Fairytale Fantasy, with the expectation that thousands of revellers will come dressed as over the top, and uniquely interpreted fairy tale characters.

But it’s not just the inner city which knows how to throw a party the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has for the past 21 years hosted the Summer Sunset Concerts which runs until April. Every Sunday thousands of people, bearing picnic baskets and blankets make themselves comfortable on the lawn in front of a massive stage to see some of the country's and the world's great artists perform.

People enjoy one of the many Kirstenbosch Summer Series Concerts. Photo courtesy Andre van Rooyen

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